Tourism leads the way in the Magaliesberg Biosphere
The tourism industry had taken the lead in showcasing the magnificence of the Magaliesberg. The Magaliesberg Biosphere Route Cluster, chaired by Brent Laarman, charted an exciting programme for the Magaliesberg Biosphere Route over the coming year.
Themed months will be highlighted to draw visitors into the area to experience its natural and historical richness and stimulate economic growth and job creation. Some of the planned themes include art and artists, battlefield tours, the kingdom of Mzilikazi, birding and hiking. Committees have been set up to pilot each of the themed months. Other members of the Cluster will provide training for tour guides, environmental education, and marketing expertise.
Hermien van Skalkwyk, a member of the recently appointed Magaliesberg Biosphere Board, initiated the ides of a Magaliesberg route two years ago. The Route Cluster brings together the main players involved with responsible tourism in the Biosphere region. Its members include tourism associations from Rustenburg, Hartebeespoort, Buffelspoort, Magalies Meander and the Cradle of Humankind, Moses Kutane and Bojanala municipalities, conservationists, environmental educators, journalists and others.
A data base of members is being compiled by Bronwen Gogle and partnerships will be formalised with NW Tourism Board and NW Parks and Roads Departments through memoranda of understanding. “We can assure the Magaliesberg Biosphere of our wholehearted support,” said Jeff Mabunda of the Tourism Board.
The Biosphere Route will be enhanced by a GPS-driven app developed by Peter Delmar which, when downloaded free, will give visitors a site-by-site tour of the region pointing out places of interest, special features and tourist facilities as they drive. The app will twin with a comprehensive map of the Biosphere region to be produced and distributed by Tourism Maps CC.
“The Magaliesberg Biosphere is a gift to tourism.” explains Laarman, “The core purpose of the Biosphere is about combining economic development with environmental health. That model fits exactly with the Biosphere Route Cluster initiative.”
Article by: Vincent Carruthers
More related articles:
- Magaliesberg Biosphere
- Introducing the Magaliesberg Biosphere
- UNESCO – International recognition for the Magaliesberg
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